Donal Lee Matthews, age 81 of Oak Grove Road, Independence, WV passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the Wallace B. Murphy NCFII Facility.
He was born June 13, 1935 in Independence, WV the son of the late Albert and Hazel O. (Kerns) Matthews.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Kathryn “Kate” (Ford) Matthews; one brother-in-law, Pastor Ronald G. Ford and wife, Peggy of Grafton; one sister-in-law, Lee (Ford) Trickett and husband, Walter of Grafton; nieces and nephews, Thomas Trickett, Joy Knight, and Jane Able; and special niece, Sondra Kay Ford and two special nephews, Robbie Michael Ford, and Ryan Trickett.

Donal graduated from Grafton High School with the Class of 1954. He served in the US Army and the US Army Reserves.

He was formerly employed as a meat cutter at the Grafton Jitny Jungle, Foodland, and Musgrove’s Grocery. He was a self-employed carpenter, electrician, and plumber.
He was a former member of the Taylor County Honor Guard, Grafton Lodge 15 AF & AM, Past Commander of Demoly Chapter 11 Commandry, Copestone Chapter 12, Grafton Lions Club, and past chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
Donal enjoyed playing his guitar and piano. He sang lead and played lead guitar for the “Followers Quartet” and other groups.
He was a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Gladesville.

The family will receive friends at the Donald G. Ford Funeral Home in Grafton on Monday, April 3rd from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour on Tuesday.
Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ronald G. Ford officiating.
Interment will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery
Military graveside services will be conducted by the Taylor County Honor Guard and the WV Army National Guard of Kingwood.
Masonic graveside service will be conducted by the Masonic Lodge #15 AF & AM in Grafton.